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Black Buck Book Review

January 18, 2021 milelongtbr 11 Comments

What to say about Black Buck?

I read this book a few weeks ago and I’ve been sitting on my thoughts before writing a review.

It was obvious immediately that I LOVED the book, but there is simply so much to unpack with this book amidst a cast of rich characters and a rollercoaster of a plot.

Summary:

At 22 years old Darren is working at an NYC Starbucks. Formerly the Valedictorian of his prestigious high school he’s now lacking ambition and direction and is happy hanging with his girlfriend in the upstairs apartment of his mother’s home.

After impressing a CEO customer by selling him a coffee other than his usual order, he gives Darren an opportunity to join the sales team at his startup. Darren hesitantly accepts – and takes us along on his journey of being hazed at the company for his first week’s initiation, his experience of being the only Black salesperson in the company, and all the ways making this jump impact his life.

It’s a wild ride, to say the least as Darren, or “Buck,” goes from barista to salesman to advocate for other people of color wanting to get ahead in business. But what is the cost of his advancement? Will he lose sight of the values he held and the people he loves?

In Black Buck, readers who get something out of this book are urged to buy a copy for a friend.

Is debut author Mateo Askaripour having his salesman narrator tell us this as a clever ploy to sell more books?

Maybe, but it’s worth the read so I want to give you the chance to read and see for yourself exactly what the story is about.

Keep reading for details on how to get your own copy of Black Buck!

Analysis:

If there’s one thing I love in a book it’s juxtapositions, and Black Buck hit the nail on the head in this regard.

The book is largely about everyday life and yet takes us on a number of twists and turns of fate that are anything but mundane.

There are moments that will make you laugh out loud and ones that feel like a punch of the gut- bringing you through every range of emotion. I love books that do this and do it well, and the scope of this story certainly makes this possible,

There’s satire on corporate America alongside social commentary about gentrification, class, and privilege.

Additionally, all the characters in this book are so vibrant. From Darrens’ girlfriend Soraya to his mother and coworkers everyone is well-developed and could easily have a book of their own.

“Buck” especially is complex, honest, and raw and I love the way Askaripour used the narration style- and even the occasional breaking of the fifth wall. While risky, it absolutely works in this case and I’m glad he made this choice in style.

The writing was excellent and the story was extremely fast-paced, making this a compelling read.

Audio Review:

I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of Black Buck.

The narrator, Zeno Robinson, did a fantastic job bringing the character of Darren to life. He brought such great energy and rawness to the story, and I highly recommend purchasing the audiobook of Black Buck.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.

Final Thoughts:

This is definitely a book to send to the top of your TBR!

Whether you enjoy satire, literary fiction, or are looking for Own Voice stories and books with important and timely themes, Black Buck is the book for you.

Black Buck is easily a five-star read and I recommend it for everyone!

If you want a copy of your own, read the following instructions and let me know the last book you gifted or leant to a friend in the comments!

I’ll pick a winner on 31 January 2020 and contact you at the email provided in your comment.

November 2020: Books I Read

December 5, 2020 milelongtbr 27 Comments

Hi, friends!

Another month in the books! I’m glad to say November was one of my best reading months of the year! How was reading for you this past month?

In November I read 12 books, which Is awesome for me, especially as there are a couple of thick ones among them.

While I deviated from my original Nonfiction November TBR, half of the titles I read were nonfiction. I’m beyond pleased with that number!

I enjoyed all the books I read this month- some more than others- so I have them all listed here broken into two groups. There are books I loved and books I enjoyed.

Let’s jump in to my November 2020 reads!

LOVED!!

1. Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything

First off, let’s look at this fun read!

Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything – from driving on the highway to beans. Yes, beans. Especially Willow Bean, the woman she finds her husband sleeping with and eventually leaves her for.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, relatable, and inspiring all at once and manages to be both fun and thought-provoking.

I especially loved Agatha’s character arc and growth. She may be an unlikely heroine, but you’ll find yourself rooting for her by the end of the book. (Think Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette Fox)

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Becoming

For one reason or another I hadn’t read this book despite seeing nothing but glowing reviews for it. I decided this was the perfect book to start off Nonfiction November with- and I’m so glad I did!

I loved hearing Michelle’s account of her life. From growing up in Chicago to her life in the White House and her struggles as a woman. Despite her notoriety, her story is relatable and the warmth she brings to it through her narration makes it so comforting. That’s why we love her so much, after all.

3. A Promised Land

Again, I feel like I’d be the least likely person to pick up this book- anything over 400 pages is a commitment for me and I don’t especially gravitate towards political nonfiction.

Still, I couldn’t resist picking up the 700page first volume of 44’s account of his time in office- or the opportunity to hear him tell his own story on audio.

President Obama is wordy- he’s the first to admit it, but I love the way he speaks and writes as he explains so many of his decisions and struggles during his tenure as president.

This is an intimate look into the office as well as how a man balances family with one of the most demanding jobs on earth. Highly worth the read and I can’t recommend the audio enough.

4. Hood Feminism

This powerful collection of essays is a call to action t enure Intersectional Feminism isn’t just a catchphrase but a movement that makes feminism inclusive for all. I love this book for showing certain topics in a different light that some may not have considered and for taking the time to explain how things are feminist issues.

Hood Feminism should be required reading for those who consider themselves feminists- and everyone else- to see why feminism for all is so important.

5. The Midnight Library

Sometimes I’m wary of super-hyped books, but I just knew that The Midnight Library was going to be a five-star read for me.

In Haig’s latest, he imagines a place between life in death- a library filled with books of other lives we might have lived if we’d made different choices.

This is a introspective and emotional read- I had tears in my eyes a few times in the early chapters, but as the main character Nora is dealing with the loss of a pet it may have been a little close to home for me.

This is definitely a standout book for me- the end didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was expecting- possibly because I seemed to be realizing much of what was happening a step or two ahead of Nora- but that didn’t stop me from appreciating it in the least.

Definitely pick this book up and see for yourself what the buzz is all about!

6. Wow, No Thank You

Wow, No Thank You is a hilarious collection of essays on a wide range of subjects from her personal struggles to things all of us are sure to relate to. I love her deadpan sense of humor and observational wit.

This is my first time reading Irby but I definitely plan on reading her earlier books next time I’m in need of a good laugh!

7. Don’t Overthink It

I am prone to overthink everything, including my overthinking, especially in these times.

@annebogel had great practical advice on the subject and offeres many ways to streamline small decisions we make daily that can lead us to feel overwhelmed and indecisive.

I will definitely read through this book again to come up with a plan to put some of the ideas in action.

Anne narrates the audio version, which is perfect because many of us know her voice from her podcasts.

Overall I highly recommend this one if you have a tendency to overthink things and would like to save yourself that energy.

8. Apple: (Skin to the Core)

Apple (skin to the core) is a moving memoir in verse by Eric Gansworth, is “a member of Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation.”

The verse is haunting and well-crafted but for me the real beauty came in the name and structure of the book. Gansworth reclaimed a racial slur used against him and drew a number of parallels to The Beatles and their music, albums and history, which he explains at the end.

I listened to this as an audiobook and while I enjoyed hearing the author narrate, there is other content to consider as well. Gansworth is a visual artist as well as a writer, so be sure to check out the accompanying artwork which is included in the print edition.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media, LLC for the ALC.

9. Hunger

Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist stands as one of my all-time favorite nonfiction reads. With that in mind I was excited to read this book, which explores her relationship with her body and food.

This book is moving and gives a look into a life and how those with larger bodies than are socially accepted are often mistreated. As always, the writing here is concise and compelling and I’m glad I read it.

Enjoyed!!

10. The Cul-de-Sac War

First of the books I liked is this fun enemies to lovers romance with lots of pranks as these neighbors try to one-up each other.

I really enjoyed the characters and their antics, as well as how the eventually see past their misconceptions.

All the elements going on in the story really added to the experience. There was more character growth than I expected and it made for a well-rounded read.

I listened to the audiobook and thought Kate Rudd was a good choice as a narrator and I highly recommend the audio format for this book. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. We Met In December

Next up is this darling contemporary romance! This friends to lovers romance set in London is a lot of fun and just as sweet.

These housemates looking to shake up their lives found a deal renting from a friend- with the caveat that they aren’t allowed to date.

Over the course of a year they spend time together as friends- but this rule and a few other things stand in the way of making it more than that.

The book starts at Christmastime and circles back to end there too, so this is a fun light holiday read and was perfect to listen to while decorating to get into the Christmas spirit!

12. All Stirred Up

Finally, we have this Persuasion retelling!

All Stirred Up is a fun read, though not quite the light rom-com I was expecting. There was more focus on familial relationships, delicious food descriptions. But, that only made it an interesting and more complex novel- just like your favorite dish.

The audio version was great- loved the accents- and was an enjoyable way to experience this second chance romance and Austen reimagining.

Many thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

There you have it! All the books in the first group were standouts and highly recommend them!

Have you read any of the books from my November 2020 reading list?

Let me know which ones you’re excited to get your hands on, and what your favorite November 2020 read was!

70 Most Relatable Gilmore Girls Moments For Bibliophiles

October 5, 2020 milelongtbr 3 Comments

**Gilmore Girls. It’s a show. It’s a religion. It’s a lifestyle.**

It first aired twenty years ago today.

For me, Rory was the original #bookfluencer in my life, with the exception of perhaps my mother.

I know I’m not alone in this. For years I’ve followed the “Rory Gilmore Reading Lists” people have posted online and added the titles she’s seen reading on the show to my own TBR.

I was a reader long before Gilmore Girls and was about the same age as Season 1 Rory when I watched my first episode. It didn’t take long for me to be hooked- everything from the witty dialogue, the relationship between Lorelai and Rory, and the endless amount of books that are read and referenced quickly made it my favorite show.

Rory was my introduction to Sylvia Plath and The Bell Jar, which has become a favorite of mine.

She’s the reason I chose Anna Karenina for an independent reading project in my Sophomore year of High School when the rest of the class chose the shortest books on the list.

I loved learning that books I’d enjoyed before discovering the show –A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Charlotte’s Web– were favorites of hers as well.

There were even instances I wish Rory could try to persuade me to read a book I’m not interested in trying, or that I tried and couldn’t get into. (Moby Dick was a DNF for me, sorry girl.)

I’ve compiled 70 of the best bookish moments from the show in a blog post. It’s filled with things you’re sure to relate to and that will make you laugh, and possibly even tear up a bit. (Rory’s Valedictorian speech gets me every time.)

Let’s go!

1. Gilmore Girls is probably the most bookish show out there. I’m here for the books too, girl.

2. She was basically a bookstagrammer before Instagram was even a thing, getting her portrait done while reading.

3. And we can all relate that sharing our current reads with other book lovers is the best.

4. Like Jess, we bookstagrammers love giving book recommendations to all our friends.

5. And you love talking to them about the book you got them to read…

6. … and maybe even arguing differing opinions on polarizing books.

7. And you love showing off your current reads and book hauls to your friends.

8. Book friends are the best friends. Even if your reading tastes are very different…

9. … or are competitive and always seem to read more than you in a given month.

10. Like Rory, most true bibliophiles have realized there is no way they’ll get to all the books on their TBR in their lifetime.

11. And have stayed up past their bedtime to get some extra reading in…

12. After realizing you’re not as well-read as you’d like to be, like Rory did at her visit to Harvard.

13. Richard knowing that the quickest way to get to know a person was to ask this question .

14. And Jess reminding us that you shouldn’t skip the classics.

15. Lorelai fibbing about finishing a book was all too relatable for most of us…

16. … because some books, even if they’re beloved classics, just aren’t for us.

17. Sometimes we’re not ready to mark a book “DNF”… we’ll get around to finishing it some day.

18. Still, you’re not above using a literary reference that you know will go over someone’s head…

19. …or one that you hope the other person will understand.

20. And sometimes referring to something in a book is the only way to explain how you’re feeling, like when Rory needed to knock off hats and steal a boat.

21. One of the most emotional moments is Rory’s speech, where she talks about how books are an important part of her life and how real the characters and stories can be to bookworms.

22. So everyone knows the perfect gift for every occasion.

23. And you couldn’t be happier to be given one, whether it’s a big new book…

24. …or an old special edition, like the 100-year-old copy of Leaves of Grass Richard got Rory.

25. In fact, some of the best gifts you’ve ever received are books.

26. Dean knows that to a bookwork, spending the day in a bookstore is a dream date…

27. …even though you have more than enough reading material at home.

28. Most bookworms have had non-readers act surprised by how many books they own….

29. … but our shelves don’t always always fit our full collection…

30. … so we have to get creative with what to do with our overflow.

31. You never mind an opportunity to rearrange your shelves.

32. We think our books have feeling and need to be treated and stored with respect.

33. Sometimes our bookish collection extends beyond books to book related memorabilia.

34. Like this bookish tshirt, that reminds us that reading is sexy.

35. Which it is. Lorelai knows that things are getting serious when a man loans you one of his books.

36. Rory is all of us trying to get a significant other to read our favorite books.

37. So you get excited when you meet someone who likes to read the same books you do.

38. Rory bringing a book with her to a school dance showed us it’s a good idea to bring a book everywhere.

39. Maybe even more than one, especially if you’re a mood reader, like when Rory had to bring more than would fit in her backpack.

40. Because bookworms know it’s never a bad time to catch up on your reading.

41. And forget about trying to pack for a trip. Like Rory, most of us would gladly skimp on clothes for extra books.

42. But reading time is always a part any bibliophile’s dream vacation.

43. In fact, at most social events you’d probably rather be spending time reading. I’m an autumn too, Richard.

44. And Rory isn’t the only one to excuse herself so she can get back to her books.

45. Others might not always understand your extreme love of books.

46. Sometimes it may seem like that’s all that’s on your mind.

47. Hardcore bibliophiles know that some people just won’t share our passion.

48. Like Jess, you may have downplayed just how much you love reading once or twice. Because really, what is much?

49. Because some people might think youre a little odd if you do this.

50. They might even tease you for it.

51. But seriously. The old book smell. The new book smell. It’s good stuff.

52. But you’ll still give audiobooks a chance, even if you still love having physical books. If Luke can give it a shot you can too.

53. Like Jess, most have probably had a title or two on our TBRs that we haven’t wanted everyone to see.

54. Because people may get the wrong idea, like Rory’s professor when she had a stack of wine books for ‘research.’

55. But really, we shouldn’t be judging people for the books they’re reading or the authors they know. Don’t be a Logan.

56. Lorelai knows there’s no shame in reading what brings you joy…

57. And the joy of sharing childhood favorites with our own children.

58. Because having family who encourages reading is the best…

59. And can help young readers enjoy advanced books at an early age…

60. … maybe a little too much. Young bookworms may have gotten in trouble for reading too much.

61. Like Rory, you know that new books can be a distraction from life’s responsibilities.

62. So, even if the books you’re reading are sometimes depressing, dishartening, …

63. … disgusting, and shocking…

64. … that’s not going to stop you from reading them.

65. Reading as many books as you do gives you an appreciation of just how much goes into writing one.

66. Like Paris, maybe you’ve thought about reading your life story in print.

67. Most of us readers have heard this piece of advice at least one time in our lives.

68. And most of us have certainly had ideas for stories we could tell.

69. So take a trip to the library… you know you want to.

70. And get off the internet and back to the books!

I had a lot of fun putting this list together as I’ve been rewatching the series.

Which relatable bookish moment from the show is your favorite?

Be sure to check out the following article, where I talk about the books our beloved characters have been reading since we last saw them in 2016.

20+ Books The Gilmore Girls Have Been Reading Lately

All images from the show belong to Netflix and the CW, and all credit for the pictures go to them.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: Review

September 8, 2020 milelongtbr 10 Comments

” The problem is that everything is relative. Happiness is based on expectations”
Fredrik Backman, Anxious People.

Fredrik Backman’s latest book was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. I adore everything of his I’ve ever read. When the early feedback started coming in I saw one rave review after the next as I anxiously awaited my own copy. Needless to say, my expectations for Anxious People were high.

Still, I tried to keep them realistic- surely not every book the man writes can be a masterpiece.

Keep reading this full review to see whether Anxious People lives up and deserves a spot on your own TBR, whether you’re new to the world of Fredrik Backman, or a devoted follower like myself.

Synopsis:

This is the part where I’m supposed to tell you what the book is about.

Anyone familiar with literary fiction in general and Backman in particular knows a simple summary couldn’t do justice to the work as a whole.

I could try to tell you the premise of the story, but thankfully the author has done that for me. I’ll just use his words.

“This is the story about a bank robbery, an apartment viewing, and a hostage drama, but even more it’s a story about idiots. But, perhaps not only that.”

Fredrik Backman, Anxious People

To say it’s not only about these things is an understatement.

Yes, there is an attempted robbery, and a hostage situation that evolves into a locked room mystery.

There is also a procedural element as two small-town-cops-turned-hostage-negotiators try to free the hostages and identify the perpetrator.

But idiots? I can confirm this description applies to the characters in the book. And why would you want to read a book about a group of idiots?

To answer that question I can only defer again to Mr. Backman.

“This story is about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots. So it needs saying from the outset that it’s very easy to declare that other people are idiots, but only if you forget how idiotically difficult being human is. Especially if you have other people you’re trying to be a reasonably good human being for.”
Fredrik Backman, Anxious People

Analysis:

To be an idiot is human.

I’m paraphrasing both Alexander Pope and Fredrik Backman here, but I feel that this really could be the adage of modern times.

Simply put, there is no other author today who writes about what it is to be human with the insight and emotion that Backman does.

Or, as he demonstrates here, who writes about idiots with such compassion and truth.

This book is everything Backman fans have come to love and expect of him. From the signature simple writing style to the nuanced story full of emotional surprises and alternating timelines, it’s a comfort for those who love the feel of his books.

Anxious People is a largely character-driven novel and it’s the ensemble cast of quirky idiotic misfits that make the book shine.

There are more than ten key characters, each with complex backstories and unique personalities. It’s easy to imagine this could be a case of too much information. Or that there wouldn’t be enough about some of them to give us insight into their lives.

Again, Backman strikes a perfect balance, giving us glimpses into these characters and the result is the characters are like no one we’ve ever met before, almost too rediculous to be real at times. And yet, they’re all of us- flawed, struggling, and deeply human.

As in most of his books, there’s exploration of difficult subjects, the predominant one in Anxious People being suicide. It is discussed multiple times from various viewpoints since it’s something that’s made an impact on many of the characters.

Overall, I think the topic was handled sensitively, though I can see how it being discussed so much in the book may be difficult for some.

There are so many parts of this book that made me start to tear up, but just as many that had me laughing out loud.

The dark humor was expertly executed and gave another level to an already fantastic book. When the hostage situation is underway, part of the irony is that the strangers held at gunpoint end up being more trying for the would-be bank robber than the other way around.

The characters from this small Swedish town are emphatically not Stockholmers. Yet they each come to empathize with their captor- and each other- before they leave the apartment.

The beauty in this book is how the lives of these unlikely strangers are woven together; their pasts, presents, and possibly even futures. They each have something to learn, something to teach one another and help one each other. And maybe, with enough kindness, the whirlwind events of the day will leave them all in a more hopeful place than they were when it began.

Takeaway:

Perhaps every book Fredrik Backman writes won’t be a masterpiece, but Anxious People won’t be the one to break the spell.

Not only did the book live up to the hype and my personal expectations- it’s easily a front-runner for my favorite book of the year.

All the stars for this beautiful, beautiful book.

It’s one I recommend to everyone, regardless of the genres they typically gravitate to because of the way it deals with the human condition- something that applies to us all.

Thank you to libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC and the opportunity to review this book.

Content Warning:

suicide, infidelity, loss, of partner, grief, divorce, hostage situation, mental health topics

My Quarantine Memoir

April 15, 2020 milelongtbr 8 Comments

#myquarantinememoir

The hashtag started circulating the Bookstagram community a month ago thanks to an amazing idea from @janaireadsbooks.

The challenge: Describe your social isolation using book titles.

The results (nearly 300 of them!) have been hilarious and beautiful. This is my favorite Bookstagram challenge of the year and I’ve loved seeing everyone’s creativity and browsing through everyone’s posts.

Reading all these posts has been so much fun, and being able to laugh in the midst of trying times is so important. I know the creative energy put into writing the memoir was a good outlet for me, and many mentioned feeling the same way.

So, I rounded up 20 posts I especially loved from Bookstagram accounts big and small showing off their creativity in humorous, unique, and even poetic ways.

Take a look! And if you’re seeing this and haven’t made a #myquarantinememoir of your own, consider yourself tagged!

My Quarantine Memoir :

Here’s what I came up with for the challenge

It was the Twelfth Night of Quarantine in April 2020, the year of The Plague. What could be considered an introvert’s Paradise was beginning to feel more like One Hundred Years of Solitude.

The Unaccustomed Earth was making me anxious; the worry about to Tear Me Apart. So, I told myself to Calm the F*CK Down and breathe. I learned to open my eyes to The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down and be Happier at Home.

Remember that You Are Not Alone in this and that we should all pull together in these difficult times. With any luck, we’ll all be Living to Tell the Tale and can recount to future generations stories of the toilet paper crisis of 2020.

But for now, we must remain in isolation until it is safe to return Into the Wild world and things we took for granted. So We Read On, boats against the current, hoping these days will soon be in the past.

View this post on Instagram

@janaireadsbooks gave us the amazing #myquarantinememoir challenge and I am here for it! Hope it gives you a laugh and please let me know in comments if you've made one so I don't miss any! These are gold! 💛💛💛🐇💛💛💛 It was the Twelfth Night of Quarantine in April 2020, the year of The Plague. What could be considered an introvert's Paradise was beginning to feel more like One Hundred Years of Solitude. The Unaccustomed Earth was making me anxious; the worry about to Tear Me Apart. So, I told myself to Calm the F*CK Down and breathe. I learned to open my eyes to The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down and be Happier at Home by reading even more than usual. Remember that You Are Not Alone in this and that we should all pull together in these difficult times. With any luck we'll all be Living to Tell the Tale and can recount to the future generations the stories of the toilet paper crisis of 2020. But for now, we must remain in isolation until it is safe to return Into the Wild world and things we took for granted. So We Read On, boats against the current, hoping these days will soon be in the past.

A post shared by Dani (@havekindle.willtravel) on Apr 11, 2020 at 1:08pm PDT

20 Quarantine Memoirs You’ll Love

Short & Sweet :

1. The O.G. #MyQuarantineMemoir from @janaireadsbooks , summed up in one title…

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Describe yourself during quarantine using only book titles! Share your choice, caption it #MyQuarantineMemoir, and tag some friends to participate 🦠 And tag me so I can see your pick 🤩 Tagging: @mysharedstacks @bookishbaker_ @bookpop_ @gabriellasgoodreads @annmariereads @britreads_inthepnw @paigeturnsthepage @carolinereadsbooks_ @shesalwayswithabook @slreadsbooks @bookishvanessa @readingwithmegan @sportschicreads @beingmybestshelf @thekindreader — #quaranreading #describeyourself #quarantineactivities #covid19books #thewomaninthewindow #bibliophile #booksta #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookish #bookstoread #bookaholic #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #bookcommunity #booksharks #booksparks #addictedtobooks #unreadshelfproject2020

A post shared by Janai ⚡️ (@janaireadsbooks) on Mar 18, 2020 at 11:33am PDT

2. … and part two, where she uses a classic thriller to describe her dire snack situation.

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This is a direct reference to the lack of snacks in my apartment. Consider it the second installment of #MyQuarantineMemoir — #mysterybookclub #agathachristie #andthentherewerenone #classicmystery #bibliophile #booksta #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookish #bookstoread #bookaholic #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #girlswhoread #bookcommunity #wellreadwomen #booksharks #booksparks #addictedtobooks #unreadshelfproject2020

A post shared by Janai ⚡️ (@janaireadsbooks) on Mar 22, 2020 at 9:42pm PDT

3. @abbyturnsthepage putting things in perspective and practicing gratitude

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It's a two-for-one special! . I thought about pulling hella books for @janaireadsbooks' #myquarantinememoir challenge, but I decided that one would suffice. This whole COVID period has reminded me of what my NEEDFUL THINGS are and just how grateful I am to have the basic necessities and good health. . I'm also participating in @thekindreader's #barefacebookchallenge. Mind you, this is me after working my night shift and being awake for almost a full 24 hours. If you know of a good full-coverage concealer, help ya girl out! 🙌🏽🙌🏽 . . . #needfulthings #stephenking #constantreader #constantlyreading #bookstagram #socalbooksta #readersofinstagram #letsgetlit #womenwhoread #bookish #bookishpost #bookstachallenge #nursewhoreads #nurseswhoread #abbyturnsthepage

A post shared by Abigail (@abbyturnsthepage) on Apr 12, 2020 at 11:15am PDT

Lovely stacks, great stories :

4. inthecommonhours has a gorgeous stack and sweet dedication

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I was tagged by @sincerely_reading for the #myquarantinememoir challenge. Dedicated to all the moms of boys & tagging you to share your #quarantinememoir too! I love to travel but I’ve always been a HOMEBODY, over-scheduled and CHASING SLOW. Having an empty family calendar seemed like a fantasy, but WHEN ALL YOU’VE EVER WANTED ISN’T ENOUGH, THINGS FALL APART. I don’t have a ROOM OF ONE’S OWN, for the first time in my adult life, which has made WORKING IN A VERY SMALL SPACE all the harder. The kids cannot play with friends or go beyond WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, and I think my oldest would like to be ANYWHERE BUT HERE. Still we have perspective—some are sick or caring for the sick and WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES that others are dealing with pain, grief and THE ART OF LOSING. We are trying to accept THE WAY IT IS and learn HOW TO BE HERE. We’re embracing HOME COMFORTS and looking for THE GIFT OF AN ORDINARY DAY even in these extraordinary times. We’ve found ESCAPING INTO THE OPEN space on Green Mountain helps. As the sole female in a house full of testosterone, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME who was feeling overwhelmed, but talking to my CIRCLE OF WOMEN via text and zoom has helped. I’m learning there are SEVEN THOUSAND WAYS TO LISTEN and the magic of asking my kids to TELL ME MORE. When THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING—of BEING MORTAL—gets to us all, making a CEREMONY of the routines we still have, when we EAT PRAY LOVE, helps—just lighting candles at dinner or planning our movie night. I know we cannot be HAPPY ALL THE TIME and that there are NO HAPPY ENDINGS. But maybe, if we can focus on the PRESENT OVER PERFECT, with ORDINARY LOVE & GOOD WILL, we will find JOY IN THE MORNING when this all ends, and SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY MAYBE, we’ll find PARADISE IN PLAIN SIGHT right here at home.

A post shared by 📚 🎥 ☕️ (@inthecommonhours) on Apr 13, 2020 at 10:49am PDT

5. Bright, beautiful, and creative from @bibliophilly

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Here’s my shot at the #myquarantinememoir challenge hosted by @janaireadsbooks. This was way too much fun! ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Well, it’s April 2020 and we have found ourselves in the middle of a PANDEMIC. Never did I think that just leaving my house in 2019 would be some of THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD. But here I am, wearing gloves and masks to protect myself from all of the GERMS and everything feels so F*CKED. My plans for AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE have been put on hold and Pablo’s SEPARATION ANXIETY will be through the roof if I ever go back into the office for work. But for now, I’m just gonna stay home, listen to my PERFECT TUNES, and bank those stimulus checks so that when this is all said and done I’ll have lots of RICH PEOPLE PROBLEMS.

A post shared by Jess • bibliophilly_ (@bibliophilly_) on Apr 11, 2020 at 7:02am PDT

6. Flower goals from lpm_reads

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#myquarantinememoir // I had way too much fun with this. 📖💐 . We are definitely living in DIFFERENT times. We’re stuck in isolation, FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD. . Streets are empty. So are shelves. We’re all in our own homes, and THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US has never been bigger. If you’re not A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, I haven’t seen you in weeks. . THE HISTORIAN(s) will write about how everyone sanitized all THE THINGS THEY CARRIED home from the store—including all the toilet paper everywhere. . To stay sane, I’m FINDING QUIET moments for myself during these endless days as my family lives this quarantined LIFE TOGETHER. THE CURVE OF TIME carries us along, but I have no idea what day it is. . I’m trying to take it ONE FINE DAY at a time, focusing on ALL THAT’S GOOD and GETTING THINGS DONE. . I’m surviving on cookies and energy drinks, and by the time we can all leave the house again, my LITTLE BRITCHES may no longer fit. 😂 . But I’m okay with that because #IMOMSOHARD. . Thanks for the tag @bookgirlgen. I’ve tagged a few friends in case you want to play along. 💛 . QOTD: What’s a goal you have for this week? // I want to organize the boys’ closet and bookshelf. And get outside every day. . . . . #bookstagram #quarantinereads #bookstack #bookish #lpmreads #booksharks #booklove #bookishchallenge #booksofinsta #mondaymood #readallthebooks #thereadinglife #somanybookssolittletime #booknerd #creativewriting #onceanenglishmajoralwaysanenglishmajor #stayhomeandread

A post shared by Paige Moreland (@lpm_reads) on Apr 13, 2020 at 7:31am PDT

Biggest Stacks In Sight :

7. @diaryofabookmum piled them up in a stack tall enough to satisfy the most avid readers

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I’ve jumping on the incredible @zubscovered bandwagon today and I’m posting my #myquarantinememoir . Thanks lovely Zubs for the inspiration & encouragement. ⁣ ⁣ Hello boys & girls … I’ve got SOMETHING TO TELL YOU, the thing is, I don’t know whether you’ve noticed but THE DILEMMA has present itself & I guess THE FALLOUT has begun. ⁣ ⁣ On a personal note, 2020 was the year we were meant to be MOVING & I’m sure hearing THE SISTERS playing loudly in the garden, THE NEIGHBOURS wish they had THE CHOICE to move themselves! However, for all of us there’s NO ESCAPE & I’m sure each of us are shouting HELP ME! throughout each day/week. ⁣ ⁣ I WONDER if we can all hold onto KINDNESS & all do WHATEVER IT TAKES to help this end & TRUST that ONE DAY it will and THE PARTY can then begin. 🎉🎊⁣ ⁣ Again, personally, IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND who reminds me that we will have A SPARK OF LIGHT & when we can go to THE COSY SEASIDE CHOCOLATE SHOP again, it will feel like we’ve won GOLD. ⁣ ⁣ My #bookmates that was great fun & entertained me for a good half an hour, join in & have fun. ⁣ ⁣ #stacksaturday#lotsofbooks#stackofbooks#largebookstack#igbooks#booksonthegram#gramofbooks#bookstagram#bookstagrammer#ukbookstagrammer#bookworm#booksbooksbooks ⁣

A post shared by Jen. (@diaryofabookmum) on Apr 11, 2020 at 1:23am PDT

8. This stack to the ceiling from @thewineingreader

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#MyQuarantineMemoir comin' at ya! Will this be the THEME MUSIC of our lives? Standing more than FIVE FEET APART, feeling 1% FREE? I long to go back, once again be THE GIRL BEFORE, go back to now what I guess is MY EX LIFE. Who knew, that THE LAST NIGHT OUT with friends would be the last time I would see them before THE GREAT ALONE. I'm especially missing bookstores; they feel far away, like THE BOOKSHOP OF YESTERDAYS. Do you sometimes feel like we're delving DEEPER INTO DARKNESS, FIGHTING THE ODDS, only to end up with a HAPPILY EVER NEVER? Sometimes I want to RUN AWAY, travel back in time to LAST SUMMER, surrounding the BONFIRE. This, THE FAMILIAR DARK, THE MUSE OF NIGHTMARES, has me feeling like THE GREAT PRETENDER with varying emotions, praying IT will not last until NOVEMBER 9, and that it's not TOO LATE to fix. I'm now THE TIME KEEPER, counting all my days in quarantine, here in THE HIDING PLACE I call home. But I'm here to tell you… all that is BEYOND THE POINT. We need to look for ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES. We hold THE POWER, and WE ARE CALLED TO RISE. Together, we can get through this. I know we can. Because YOU ARE A BADASS, and I'm RIGHT BEHIND YOU. We are not stuck IN A DARK, DARK WOOD. Look for A SPARK OF LIGHT. It's there. We are all BECOMING stronger, safe at home. After it all ends, we will be THE STORYTELLER of our lives, saying I'M STILL HERE. We survived, physically apart, but united together. I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE… YOU ARE NOT ALONE. And this, all this… IT ENDS WITH US. I hope you enjoyed my #quarantinememoir, because I had fun creating it! I hope you're well, my friends. 🤟🏼💕

A post shared by 𝕂𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕪 | 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣🍷 (@thewineingreader) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:38am PDT

#MyQuarantineMemoir– Poetry Edition :

9. @thebooksheelf had to break her poetic pile into two stacks

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Inspired by all the #pandemicpoetry, #lyricallockdown and #stayhomesonnet, I decided to take a leaf out of @zubscovered’a book and attempt a #myquarantinememoir. I apologise in advance. WHEN TIME STOPPED, BENEATH THE RISING ILLNESS LESSON, giving many of us WILD AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS. We discovered that WHEN ALL IS SAID, THE TRICK TO TIME, THE WILD SILENCE is the small MERCIES. Eating delicious THINGS IN JARS. Taking walks among THE TREES when the WEATHER allows, basking in NATURE’S MUTINY. Finding escape in the wonderful SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING because that’s what a BOOKWORM does And above all, clinging to the EXPECTATION of EXCITING TIMES in BEAUTIFUL PLACEs where we’ll all be able to take a deep breath and say, HERE WE ARE. Aren’t we SO LUCKY? Pause for applause. P.S. It’s just occurred to me that I’ve only read one of these books 🤦🏼‍♀️ so if any of them are ‘Oh my gosh amazing’ please let me know!

A post shared by The Book Sheelf (@thebooksheelf) on Apr 15, 2020 at 6:38am PDT

10. @zubscovered even made hers rhyme!

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#MYQUARANTINEMEMOIR #pandemicpoetry PART 2 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Dedicated to all my international family. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I had decided over the weekend to write a poem using books that rhymed. I decided to post it on #humpdaywednesday to make you all smile midweek and now I challenge you all to do the same. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Write a poem using books, make it rhyme. I know, I know poems don't have to rhyme but it's more fun this way. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here mine:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ He said, SHE SAID this won't last forever⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We are in this as one, every man, GIRL WOMAN OTHER ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ GIRLS LIKE US, like me took the little things in life for granted⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ But MAYBE THIS TIME I'll fly across the Atlantic⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Not IN FIVE YEARS but right away ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ To meet Kristen, Carrie and Janine for FAIR PLAY⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ To make memories and laugh so I will never be REGRETTING YOU ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Maybe Jordy, Kayla, Jen and Steph could fly to NY too ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So we can sit and laugh and I can see EVERY COLOUR OF YOU ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We would be WINNING AT LIFE don't you think so too?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN my friends don't be sad ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I promise you it will be THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I tag everybody. But especially @downtogetthefictionon⁣⁣ because I told her today I'll tag her until I die. #dramaqueen⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Zubs 💛💋⁣⁣

A post shared by Zubs J – Books | Life (@zubscovered) on Apr 15, 2020 at 8:25am PDT

Some lovely ladies got in the photo with their stack… looking way too put together for a lockdown:

11. love it, @downtogetthefictionon! I hope your husband is OK now!

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So THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU I probably didn’t have such grey roots. But then AN ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING happened and now we’re all terrified of THE AIR YOU BREATHE. ⁣ ⁣ Or maybe you are one of THE OTHER PEOPLE, THE RESISTERS out there saying “oh it’s Obama’s fault – HE STARTED IT!” But how it started is BEYOND THE POINT!⁣ ⁣ Well DON’T LOOK FOR ME in public. I’m following the RULES FOR VANISHING and staying at my house IN A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD. ⁣ ⁣ Some days I want to RUN AWAY and join THE NIGHT CIRCUS. It’s very clear my kids KNOW MY NAME…oh to drink from the FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE. ⁣ ⁣ So if you miss watching a WILD GAME on tv, being THE LAST HOUSE GUEST at a party or hosting a party with the PERFECT TUNES blasting, well POUR ONE OUT because YOU ARE NOT ALONE and THE RETURN to THIS TENDER LAND could be IN FIVE YEARS. Until then I’ll be home with my LITTLE FAMILY. ⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @zubscovered for tagging me in this #myquarantinememoir challenge. This was way more fun that I was expecting. My husband and I almost got divorced over taking the picture so this is the best I got. I tagged a few people if you want to join in. ⁣ ⁣ ——⁣ #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstoread #📚#bookchallenge #stackchallenge #bookstack #tbrpile #booklover #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #booksofinsta #readersofinstagram #readersofig #stayhomechallenge #shelfie #fortheloveofreading #readmorebooks #readinggoals #justreadit #buythebook #booktoday #readerlife

A post shared by Janine (@downtogetthefictionon) on Apr 15, 2020 at 5:08am PDT

12. meetmeinthestacks putting us all to shame with makeup AND earrings

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Yesterday I put on real clothes and makeup even though we celebrated Easter at home. It’s a pretty big day and NOTHING could keep us from celebrating He is risen!!⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Due to the fact that this so rarely happens these days, I figured I’d better #carpediem and take a pic for #myquarantinememoir while I had my face on 🤣 the lovely @myworldtoread tagged me- be sure and check hers out too! ⁣⁣(thanks tagged pubs for gifted books)⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ This new life 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞. 𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 if I wanted to be a homeschool teacher and be away from my friends for so long. This is one party I wouldn’t have minded being 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 to. While it’s not 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭, nor 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝗪𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐝, I’ve learned 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝗪𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲 to 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 when I really need a break.⁣⁣⁣ Meanwhile, my husband really wonders where 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐇𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 went, but I think things will 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 this way for awhile 🤷🏻‍♀️⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 is that I can watch 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 from the comfort of my own living room. And while 𝗪𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧, I’m confident we will be able to say “𝗪𝐞 𝗪𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐎𝐧𝐞𝐬,” one day when remembering this. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ I’ve tagged a few people. I also dare anyone willing to accept the challenge to use more @katherinecenter books than I did. #numberonefan . . . . ⁣⁣ #bookchallenge #nickelandsuedestyle #bookstacks #easter2020 #imabeliever #snakeskindress #memoir #makingmemoriestogether #socialdistancing2020 #readinglife #nickelandsuede #freshairtherapy #bookclubs #bookstagramcommunity #letsread #besilly #spreadkindnesslikeconfetti #bookloversofinstagram #meetmeinthestacks #funwithbooks

A post shared by Chrisann (@meetmeinthestacks) on Apr 13, 2020 at 7:12pm PDT

13. @nic_reads_inheels showing off her impressive balance and fashion skills

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Happy #FootStackFriday Friends!! . Today I took a couple challenges and combined them together! The lovely @novelsandjava posted a fun #yournamestack challenge and I just had to combine it with the #myquarantinememoir challenge I've been seeing!! . If you can't read the titles scroll over, the lighting was not my friend today. 🤣 But just look at those @jessicasimpsonstyle heels. . we shall go out in public Nevermore we have no Immunity to this Contagion One day in december we might be free again it feels like Light years before we're free of this Epidemic . 💜N-I-C-O-L-E 💜 . That was a lot of fun 🤣 I want to see more of these!! . What will you do to find fun in this Friday? . I hope you'll join me Live tonight (7 on CST) to talk about writing and whatever else you can come up with!! . . . #bookishladiesclub #bookishbettiesclub #readingfriendz #booklover #stackchallenge #bookstack #booksandheels #jessicasimpsonheels #strappyheels #strappysandals #shoelover #booksandshoes #allthebooks #bookstagram #bookishcommunity

A post shared by Nic (@nic_reads_inheels) on Apr 10, 2020 at 11:34am PDT

A few furry model features:

14. @milesofpages showing off this face that’s begging for kisses

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I decided to jump in on the late night fun of #myquarantinememoir in all our messy toys and pitbull begging for love glory. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Insomnia: 3rd trimester plus anxiety problems = insomnia.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The Honey Don’t List: Duncan tried to do projects while he was on hazard leave. (I’m considered high risk because of my pregnancy so he was able to take 2 weeks off). His priorities and mine are completely different. 😂 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In Five Years: When I feel like this virus will end.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve Got You Under My Skin: The jeebies I get when I go out in public (when necessary)!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ You Are Not Alone: one husband, 2 kids, 2 pitbulls, one house while working 40+ hours. Definitely not alone! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ What does your quarantine memoir stack look like?

A post shared by Mellie Sligh| 🇵🇦🇺🇸 (@milesofpages) on Apr 14, 2020 at 6:59pm PDT

15. a stack of killer thrillers and a sleeping pup from mary_regans_books

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•#myquarantinememoir Challenge• —————————————————— This challenge is so fun! As y’all know, I read mostly thrillers so this makes for a super angsty title memoir post! 😂😂 just know, I am fine and this was super fun to do! I’ve had a lot of fun reading what others have put together!! Also, tagging a few friends to try this! —————————————————— [The Girl Before] [The Holdout] is not the same as the one in this [Dilemma]. [The Only Woman In The Room]. [All is Not Forgotten], [I Know You Know], [Pieces of Her] will be stronger and [You Will Know Me]. Being at [Home] will be [For The Best] if we all appreciate that [A Friend Is A Gift We Give Ourselves] and always check on [The Broken Girls]. ————————————————————- QOTD: What are you reading now? Anything good? ————————————————————#bookaddict #mysterybooks #booksonbooksonbooks #readingisfundamental #bibliophile #thrillers #booknerd #readingtime #reading📖 #readersofinsta #booklover #bookworm #bookwormlife #booksarefun #weekendreads #igreads #bookclubofinstagram #bookish #bookofthemonth #karinslaughter #bookstoread #harlancoben #bookchallenge #readerlife #readersgonnaread #booksbooksandmorebooks #bookcommunity #bookstacks #pmbookstababes

A post shared by Book Reviews By Mary Reagan (@mary_reagans_books) on Apr 15, 2020 at 6:22am PDT

16. @andkellyreads caught a catnap behind her fun stack

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Looky here, another #stackchallenge! ⠀ ⠀ I was tagged by @_endotique in the #myquarantinememoir stack challenge, so here they are (along with my cat). ⠀ ⠀ PHOTOS OF YOU – the only way we can see each other right now, photos and video, and FaceTimes. ⠀ ⠀ WOULD LIKE TO MEET – for brunch, please! But we can’t. So let’s meet for a virtual happy hour instead.⠀ ⠀ I MIGHT REGRET THIS – I might regret this second bottle of wine. Or third. ⠀ ⠀ NECESSARY PEOPLE – I respect the hell out of essential workers right now, and I’m super proud of my friends working their asses off in hospitals. I am not one of them so I’ll stay on my couch where I belong. ⠀ ⠀ NOTHING TO SEE HERE – please don’t watch me eat second lunch. Or an entire pizza. We’ve also been sloths so literally, there is nothing to see here. ⠀ ⠀ This challenge was fun but tough!! I tagged a few people to carry this on, but if you’re interested, go for it! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #bookstagram #bookshelf #shelfie #books #bookworm #bookreader #booknerd #bookstack #booksta #readersofinstagram #igreads #shelflove #fiction #quarantbr #contemporary #romance #bibliophile #bookish #goodreads #BOTM #bookofthemonth #tbr #illustratedcovers #onfrolic #quaranreads #cozyreads #readstagram #booksharks

A post shared by Kelly (@andkellyreads) on Apr 10, 2020 at 5:38am PDT

Some bookstagrammers used children’s books for the challenge:

17. @nonrunnercookielover used a bunch of favorite kiddie titles

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@meetmeinthestacks tagged me in the #myquarantinememoir stack challenge yesterday. I did it a few weeks ago with some adult books so I thought it would be fun to do it with kids books. Here ya go! 📖 📚 📖 📚 Almost 5 weeks ago we unexpectedly experienced THE NIGHT BEFORE SUMMER VACATION. I felt a little like THE MIXED UP CHAMELEON when I found out I’d be stuck at home with EIGHT (really 3) SILLY MONKEYS. These WACKY WILD ANIMALS (read: children) I live with sometimes make it feel like we’re experiencing THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. HOW DO DINOSAURS CLEAN THEIR ROOMS? If you know, please tell me! It looks like a (Z IS FOR) ZOO up in here! I’ve been told DON’T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE but they won’t go to bed!!! Overall they’ve been BRAVE BUDDIES have handled it pretty well and are definitely ASPIRING ARTIST(s)…they’ve used up all our computer paper! I’m trying to enjoy THESE HAPPY GOLDEN YEARS- hopefully quarantine won’t last that long but I’m grateful we’re all able to be home together! But- IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? Maybe by then we can see our friends and family! ❤️

A post shared by Megan 📚 Let’s Talk Books! (@nonrunnercookielover) on Apr 14, 2020 at 1:11pm PDT

18. kaciereads put together this hilarious memoir

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My #quarantinememoir in children's lit book titles: ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET. I've been a bit OBSESSED with the coronavirus news lately and I'd like it if you could SHOW ME HOW TO SURVIVE. I've been wondering WHAT DO PEOPLE DO ALL DAY? And when it comes to delivery workers, medical professionals, people in grocery and food and other critical services, we can just CALL IT COURAGE. Because EVERYONE POOPS and people are hoarding, there has been a toilet paper shortage. People have been watching Tiger King on Netflix and you could think of it as THE TIGER RISING. My kids don't think this is THE BEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER because even though we already homeschool, we miss our friends and field trips. I refuse to get CABIN FEVER or go OUT OF MY MIND. I'm prepared for ONE CRAZY SUMMER leading into THE LONG WINTER. I WISH you AN ACCEPTABLE TIME and HAPPY PIG DAY! Whether you live in THE ENCHANTED CASTLE, a BEACH HOUSE, THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT or OTHER WORDS FOR HOME, I wish you safety and peace. #myquarantinememoir #middlegrade #kidlit #booktitlesentence #booktitles #bookstagrammer #quarantinelife #hanginthere #pandemicreading

A post shared by Kacie (@kaciereads) on Apr 11, 2020 at 9:23am PDT

And, finally, some great new accounts joining in on the fun:

19. This gorgeous sundrenched stack from @bringing_myshelf_joy

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I was excited about the quarantine memoir stack challenge because it was a new way to try to wrap my mind around the weirdness that's happening. So I present to you my quarantine memoirs. . GREAT EXPECTATIONS. It feels to me like there is an unusual amount of pressure to turn this quarantine into an opportunity to make yourself a better person. Learn a new skill! Start a side hustle! Clean and organize your house! If that's you, then more power to you. But I am simply not living up to these great expectations. I'm still working my full time job and trying to keep up with all of the weirdness I feel. It is enough for to simply get through it. . THINKING OF YOU. I am thinking a lot about my family (my mom especially) right now. I'm thinking about my Tuesday Girls and my theater friends. I miss them all so much. . THE GREAT ALONE. I've seen this in many quarantine stacks because it's just so fitting. I'm thankful to not literally be alone. I have my husband and my doofy puppy. But the lack of physical proximity to people feels so lonely. . ROOM. Is anyone else getting extremely tired of staring at the same four walls? . COMMON SENSE. Social distancing and washing your hands feels like common sense right now, but it's essentialness still deserves to be emphasized! . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I have a deep and newfound respect for every worker deemed essential during this pandemic. They are brave souls. I particularly want to highlight fast food workers (really any restaurant workers), news workers, and teachers. Wow. You guys are admirable. Way to keep up all of that hard work even in shifting circumstances. Thank you. . If you haven't already, please do the quarantine memoir challenge! I've been loving all the stacks I've seen. . . . #myquarantinememoir #quarantinestack #bookchallenge #quarantine #socialdistancingstack #covid19books #bookcommunity #bookstack #bookstagram #bookphotography #books #reader #booklove #bookworm #thegreatalone #room #greatexpectations #commonsense #thankyouforyourservice

A post shared by Emily | bringing_myshelf_joy (@bringing_myshelf_joy) on Apr 13, 2020 at 7:08pm PDT

20. loving the wrap and reviews from _endotique

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i was tagged in the #myquarantinememoir stack challenge by @doesthedogbark and so, together with these books fresh off my shelf, i had to show you the @dillonjoy.co wrap ive been rocking since i haven’t felt like washing my hair this week. this is not the most uplifting or optimistic of book stacks, but i never claimed to be either of those things. i pride myself on being a cynic and a realist. im tagging @andkellyreads to complete this challenge. —————— #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #book #novel #read #reading #reader #reads #currentlyreading #bookshelf #bookish #bookworm #booknerd #bibliophile #nonfiction #fiction #shelfie #bookstack #booksharks #magazine #weekend #newyorker #tbr #booklover #readersofinstagram #bookpics #booksofinstagram #bookaddict

A post shared by kristen pilecki russell (@_endotique) on Apr 9, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT

Wow!

What an awesome bunch of posts with so many different ideas and interpretations of the challenge!

Be sure to check out the hashtag to find even more new and amazing memiors… I love them all!

Twelve Bookish Ecards to Speak to Your Inner Bibliophile

April 11, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

In case you need a laugh today, I’ve compiled a list of a dozen ecards to speak to the bibliophile in all of us.

If you love books I’m sure you’ll find more than one thing you can relate to, or at least give you a good laugh at the more book-obsessed readers.

Enjoy, and be sure to share with your book loving friends who will appreciate the nerdy humor!

“Sorry, I can’t stay and chat. I just remembered it’s my friend’s aunt’s dog’s birthday.”

“Ok, Katniss Jane. Go tell Harry Holden and Emma Daisy that dinner is ready. “

“I’ll just be a minute….”

Truth #1 :

(Library) size does matter.

Truth #2:

We’re all fantasizing about the Beast’s library in Beauty and the Beast.

“Whether the weather be fine, Or whether the weather be not…”

Are they accepting applications?

I can totally take a 10 minute reading break to update my LinkedIn profile.

Leon from The Flatshare totally stole my heart last summer, one Post-it at a time.

And who hasn’t fallen for Mr. Darcy or the latest male lead in a Christina Lauren Book?

And don’t even get me started about when one of my favorite characters die.

Book.

Cat.

Coffee, tea, or wine depending on the time of day.

Throw in a cozy blanket and it’s basically perfection.

Looking at you , Behind Her Eyes. I read that book three years ago and I’m still shook from that final twist.

I also may have restarted Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine within five minutes of finishing it for the first time. Partly to fact check the surprise, partly because that book is everything.

My fantasy library has shelves to the ceiling, a ladder that slides, a hidden door, first editions of my favorite books, and an oversized chair… just for starters.